Packager - Spherion Mid Ohio
Menu

Packager

November 03, 2022

WHAT DOES A PACKER DO?

As a packer, you are responsible for packing orders as they come in. Sometimes, this will involve picking items from stock and placing them into a box. This is why this role is often called a “picker/packer.” Other times, you will be dealing with large items or finished goods coming straight off an assembly line. Packers may fulfill shipping orders in warehouses or box manufactured items for storage. Packers need to box items in a manner that protects them from breakage or in a manner that preserves their current temperature. No matter the situation, it is important that you do your work carefully and thoroughly so that nothing arrives broken or damaged at its destination. 

 

What is the average salary of a packer?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for a packer is $13.49, or $28, 050 annually. The highest-paid 10% earn more than $39,120, and the lowest-paid 10% earn less than $20,530. Packers receive a salary that is determined by the following factors. 

Employment type

A full-time packer expects to earn more than an individual hired on a part-time or hourly basis, even if the hourly wage is similar. This is because full-time employees receive benefits such as paid holidays and vacations that part-time workers do not receive.

Industry

The industry in which you work also influences your salary as a packer. If you work in an industry that pays high wages, then your chances of getting a larger salary are greater than if you worked in an industry that pays low wages. In-demand and seasonal packers may be eligible for hiring and production bonuses.

What are the responsibilities of a packer?

Packers are responsible for a variety of tasks. These responsibilities vary depending on your employer and the industry in which you work, but many duties are common. Packing operators prepare and package products according to specifications, label packages, and pack them onto pallets. You can expect to carry out many of these tasks daily:

  • Preparing packaging material – This includes securing and organizing boxes, bags, shrink wrap, foam, and other materials in preparation for packing activities.
  • Packaging stock items – You will spend most of your time using a packing machine to package products into boxes or bags.
  • Labeling stock items – You'll apply labels to each item as it's packed and then pass it onto the next production line stage.
  • Wrapping pallets – Once you've packed several items onto a pallet, you'll wrap them in protective plastic wrap so that you can safely transport them to their destination.
  • Inspection – Some employers require packers to inspect each product as they pack it to ensure they meet quality requirements before they leave the warehouse or factory floor.
  • Quality control – Reporting any discrepancies or damages to management

Skills & competencies

To be successful as a packer, you will need to have physical strength, stamina, and the ability to work fast. Other skills and competencies required include:

  • The ability to stand for most of your shift
  • The ability to tally and keep accurate track of numbers
  • The ability to work well in a team and also independently
  • The ability to follow instructions so that you know what to pack in each box and carry out any other packing instructions from your supervisor
  • The ability to work unsupervised and with consistent speed and quality
  • The ability to pack items correctly so that they do not damage during transit
Tags: packager, packing positions in mansfield, packing positions in willard, warehouse packager
« Back to Blog
Copyright © 2024 Spherion Mid Ohio. All rights reserved.